Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has expressed a unique sense of optimism about the future of the Black stars in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite a rocky start to their qualifying campaign.

The national team has suffered heavy criticism following a disastrous start to the AFCON qualifying group stage, including losses to Ivory Coast and Gambia; pressure is high on the team to get back on track.

Badu anchored a strong belief that qualification remains very much alive if Ghana regroups, views difficulties as temporary and wins the remaining fixtures.

"I cannot predict the outcomes of the next double-header against Somalia, but I am very optimistic that despite a disappointing start to the AFCON qualifiers, whoever is named as substantive coach to replace Queiroz might secure wins for the Stars."

‘’Black Stars’ can win our next two fixtures; our chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are not over,” he told Ahenfie Full Time Sports.

Black Stars tumbled to the bottom of Group C after back-to-back defeats: a 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire and a historic 4-2 defeat to The Gambia on home soil, surrendering a 2-0 lead.

After the difficult run of results, Head coach Carlos Queiroz’s contract was mutually terminated on October 1, 2026, by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The Portuguese manager faced a severely depleted side missing key players like Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, and captain Jordan Ayew.

 

The Black Stars are currently without a permanent head coach following the GFA’s decision.

 

The former professional footballer earnestly cautioned the Ghana Football Association not to rush the appointment of a permanent head coach. He emphasised that the next coach must deeply understand the unique landscape and realities of Ghanaian football.

 

The four-time African champions face Somalia next in matchdays 3 and 4 in the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The double header against the ‘Ocean Stars’ of Somalia, both matches scheduled at the Accra Sports Stadium, provides a vital chance to stabilise their campaign and restore confidence among supporters, administrators, and political figures despite recent crises.

Both fixtures on home soil are slated for Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and Sunday, November 15, 2026, respectively, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is set to appoint an interim technical team following recent coaching changes ahead of the November matches.

The 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be co-hosted by three countries; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.